After the medical attendant arrived to bandage Tu Shanjin's wound, the autumn hunt officially concluded.
Outside the hunting grounds, the ministers' children and families were waiting. Yun Yanyan nervously fidgeted with her sleeves while staring at the exit, her heart filled with anxiety.
Soon, the sound of hoofbeats arose as a black horse and a silver horse rode side by side, slowly emerging from the hunting grounds.
When she saw that Tu Shanjin was unharmed, Yun Yanyan's eyes filled with astonishment, quickly followed by deep jealousy. Why did that wretched woman always have such good luck?
She quickly concealed her emotions, pretending as if nothing had happened. However, this subtle reaction did not escape the notice of Prince Ze standing beside her.
After Xiao Wuzi had people tally up the hunted game, he announced the rankings for this autumn hunt.
"General Guan hunted ten pheasants, ten hares, and one wolf..."
"Prince Ze hunted ten pheasants, two deer..."
"Your Majesty and the Consort hunted eight pheasants, two hares, ten larks, two jackals, one deer, and one fierce tiger!"
Xiao Wuzi excitedly announced with a flushed face: "Your Majesty and Consort Miao are the champions of this autumn hunt!"
Seeing this, the ministers immediately began showering them with flattery and praise. Yun Yaoyao graciously accepted it all, even complimenting some ministers on their performance in return.
The two sides went back and forth, creating quite a scene of harmony between ruler and subjects (or rather, mutual flattery)!
After the ministers finished their praises, Yun Yaoyao suddenly took Tu Shanjin's hand and pulled back her sleeve: "Everyone, an accident occurred during the hunt earlier. Consort Miao was attacked by a vicious tiger and was injured."
Only then did the crowd notice the freshly treated wound on Tu Shanjin's hand, and their faces filled with surprise and concern.
Yun Yaoyao swept her gaze over them, taking in everyone's reactions before her eyes suddenly turned cold.
"I never believe in mere accidents. I will investigate this matter of the out-of-control tiger thoroughly. If I find out someone deliberately caused harm..."
"They will be severely punished without mercy!"
These six forceful words struck the hearts of the crowd, and the ministers were all inwardly shocked.
"Deputy Commander Fang," Yun Yaoyao called out.
"Your subject is here!" Fang Wucheng immediately knelt on one knee.
"This matter is entrusted to you for investigation. You must thoroughly investigate the course of events and give Consort Miao justice!" Yun Yaoyao said coldly.
"I accept the command and will certainly investigate the incident of the out-of-control tiger until the truth is revealed!" Fang Wucheng solemnly accepted the order.
"Good," Yun Yaoyao's gaze was cold as she swept an intimidating look over the crowd before revealing a faint smile. "My dear ministers need not panic. Those who ranked in the autumn hunt, come forward now. I will personally reward you one by one."
The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated as rewards were handed out, but the wariness in everyone's hearts grew heavier.
The Emperor's temperament was becoming increasingly unpredictable. In the past, he only threatened and intimidated, but now he had learned to slap you with one hand while offering sweets with the other, leaving them unable to find reasons for impeachment.
Moreover, Consort Miao's importance in the Emperor's heart was far greater than they had imagined!
For the Emperor to change from a dead cut-sleeve to a devoted person exclusively favoring Consort Miao, what kind of magic did this Consort Miao possess?
Was it her cold and fierce temperament similar to the Emperor's that he loved? Or was it her ability to do shocking things like regicide that he admired?
Tsk tsk, come to think of it, doesn't the Emperor have masochistic tendencies?
Rejecting women who pursued him, yet favoring one who was cold to him and tried to kill him.
Or perhaps Consort Miao's bedroom skills were so good that she could make the Emperor go thirteen rounds in one night, which is why he valued her so much?
Tsk tsk tsk tsk...
Yun Yaoyao was unaware that these outwardly proper old men were all thinking such vulgar thoughts about her.
After the autumn hunt ended, she took Tu Shanjin directly back to the palace.
Prince Ze and Yun Yanyan received their rewards and also left the palace by carriage.
In the carriage, Prince Ze closed his eyes to rest while Yun Yanyan clutched her dress tightly, her mind uneasy.
How could the Emperor have guessed this was deliberate? Seeing the Emperor's angry reaction, it seemed he would thoroughly investigate the matter. What should she do? Would she be implicated...
In her anxiety, Yun Yanyan failed to notice that the carriage was not heading towards Prince Ze's Manor.
After some time, the carriage gently came to a stop. Prince Ze alighted and extended his hand to help Yun Yanyan down.
Seeing Tushan Ze's handsome face, as gentle and refined as jade, Yun Yanyan's heart melted with sweetness, and the fear in her heart instantly dissipated.
It couldn't be. She had been extremely discreet in her actions. Even if the truth were to come out, the Prince doted on her so much, he would surely protect her...
"Your Highness, why have you brought your humble servant to the Yun Family? Did you know I was homesick?" Yun Yanyan gazed at Tushan Ze's face with deep affection.
Tushan Ze merely smiled without speaking.
As Prince Ze arrived at the manor, Yun Liang personally came out to receive him, while Yun Yanyan engaged in intimate conversation with Madam Yun on the side.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tushan Ze turned his phoenix-like eyes, which looked at even dogs with deep affection, towards Yun Yanyan and asked in a casual tone as if discussing daily matters: "Yanyan, is the incident with the out-of-control tiger related to you?"
Yun Yanyan's heart was struck violently. She stammered, not daring to meet his eyes: "Your... Your Highness..."
Yun Liang had also participated in this autumn hunt and naturally knew the gravity of the out-of-control tiger incident.
A father knows his daughter best, and he immediately noticed something was amiss with Yun Yanyan.
Anger surged in his chest. Yun Liang wanted to severely reprimand her, but due to Tushan Ze's presence, he could only stamp his feet on the spot, breaking out in a cold sweat.
"It was really you who did it? Why did you go provoke her?!"
"What are we going to do now? The Emperor has ordered a strict investigation. If it's found out that you were behind it, at best it would be the crime of harming a consort out of jealousy, and at worst, it could be considered an attempt on the Emperor's life – a capital offense that would lead to the execution of nine clans!"
Was he, Yun Liang, about to experience the "thrill" of having nine generations of his family executed again?
These unfilial daughters... all of them causing nothing but trouble!
The more Yun Yanyan heard, the more she realized she had made a grave mistake. She clung to Madam Yun, crying in fear.
"Father, your daughter only wanted to teach her a small lesson because of how badly she treated you and mother. Who knew..."
Madam Yun also anxiously wiped away tears: "My husband, what Consort Miao did when she came to our family last time was truly too much. Being beaten by servants, I could still endure, but she showed no respect for you and disregarded the father-daughter relationship. Not just me, even our usually kind and gentle Yanyan couldn't stand it anymore!"
With these few words from mother and daughter, Yun Liang was reminded of the humiliation he suffered not long ago when his own daughter had mercilessly ground his face into the dirt. His anger completely shifted towards Yun Yaoyao.
"Don't mention that unfilial daughter!" Yun Liang's chest heaved with anger. "But she has the Emperor's protection. If the truth about this out-of-control tiger incident is discovered..."
Seeing Yun Liang's attitude softening, Madam Yun grasped his hand, weeping: "My husband, can't you see? Consort Miao has climbed up the branch and completely disregards family ties now. Yanyan is the only daughter you have left!"
Yun Liang's thoughts were in turmoil. He paced back and forth anxiously, trying to make sense of the events that had never truly settled down over this period of time.
Tushan Ze stood a short distance away, watching all of this unfold. His brows seemed to carry a faint trace of worry, but his eyes showed no fluctuation, and upon closer inspection, they held deep mockery.
A family of fools. He wondered how this easily swayed old fool had managed to attain the position of Minister.
And this little fool who lacked both brains and the ability to keep out of trouble – every moment spent with her made him fear he might catch her stupidity.
Could it be that the Great Blessing the Imperial Astrologer spoke of was truly Yun Yaoyao...
At this moment, Tushan Ze somewhat regretted his earlier decision. If Yun Yaoyao was indeed the Blessing, he should have kept her by his side.
Tushan Ze recalled how in the past, when he appeared before the Yun family, that foolish and timid girl would hide far away, but the admiration and love in her eyes could not have been false.
What Tushan Ze was most confident in was his charm with women.
During the Autumn Festival three days from now, he would test Yun Yaoyao's true feelings and make her his own in one fell swoop!
As he pondered, Yun Liang had already dismissed Yun Yanyan and Madam Yun. Steeling his heart, he fell to his knees with a thud and respectfully bowed.
"This matter was a disaster caused by my unworthy daughter's momentary indiscretion! Consort Miao's recent actions have truly chilled the hearts of the entire Yun family. From this day forward, I, Yun Liang, no longer have that daughter. I only have one daughter, Yun Yanyan. I am now at Prince Ze's disposal!"
"I beg for Prince Ze's protection!"
These words directly and clearly stated Yun Liang's position – the Yun family had completely aligned themselves with Prince Ze's faction!
Upon seeing this, Tushan Ze immediately helped Yun Liang up and comforted him in a clear voice, "Minister Yun, please rise! Yanyan is my concubine, so I should bear the responsibility. Besides, I admire you and wish to befriend you, so I will help you out of duty."
These kind words made Yun Liang feel a sense of goodwill, and he sighed with relief, feeling that he had found a wise master.
The two of them shared their thoughts and feelings, and Yun Liang was moved to the point of regret. Why hadn't he pledged allegiance to Prince Ze earlier?
Such a person, with a sense of justice, a broad mind, respect for his subordinates, and kindness, was the most suitable to sit on the throne!
As they chatted, Tushan Ze showed a hint of worry. "I do have something I need Minister Yun's help with."
Yun Liang quickly responded, "Your Highness, please tell me. I will do my best!"
"Deputy Minister Zhou of the Treasury Department, Zhou Siren, is someone I admire for his talent. I wish to befriend him. If Minister Yun could introduce him to me, it would be a great favor," Tushan Ze said calmly.
Zhou Siren?
Yun Liang remembered that the Emperor had shown special interest in this person not long ago. His muddled mind suddenly cleared up, and he understood a few things.
The Emperor's project to improve waterworks would soon run out of money and grain. The Ministry of Revenue was the treasury of the court. If the Ministry of Revenue was brought under control, this problem would be solved.
If the Emperor managed to take over the Ministry of Revenue, it would be another obstacle for Prince Ze's grand plans.
Thinking of this, Yun Liang solemnly clasped his hands, "I will do my utmost to win over Deputy Minister Zhou!"
After discussing for a while, it was getting late, and Tushan Ze was about to leave.
Before parting, Yun Liang respectfully asked, "Your Highness, what if Deputy Minister Zhou pledges allegiance to the Emperor?"
Tushan Ze put down his teacup, stood up, and brushed off nonexistent dust from his robe with his fingers. His voice was as cold as water, "Then on the day of the autumn festival, kill him."
Yun Liang's pupils contracted as he watched the departing figure.
With his hair tied in a jade crown, exuding the indifference of a superior, the originally gentle and approachable demeanor had now turned into sharp, invisible blades, piercing Yun Liang's skin.
He sat heavily on the stool, belatedly realizing that he had been tricked!
The autumn festival was managed by the Ministry of Rites, which he was fully in charge of. Killing a deputy minister on the day of the autumn festival would not be difficult for him.
And once he killed Deputy Minister Zhou, there would be no turning back to the Emperor.
Prince Ze had calculated everything from the beginning!
Perhaps, he had noticed when Yanyan wanted to teach Consort Miao a lesson and had deliberately allowed it to happen!
It was Yun Liang who was too foolish!
How could someone who sought power be kind and benevolent?
Alas!
Having just escaped the dragon's den, he had now entered the tiger's lair. Yun Liang's peaceful days were coming to an end!
